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Costa Rica - Pura Verde!
WORDS: Elizabeth Heath | IMAGES: Carlo Raciti
The pristine national parks of Costa Rica’s rugged Pacific Coast offer dramatic scenery, sandy beaches, some sweet surf spots, and wildlife at every turn.
Pura vida, pura verde, el agua pura. The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is a paradisiacal playground for Superyachts, surfers, shutterbugs, birdwatchers, hikers, yoginis…we could go on. The unadulterated beauty of its coastlines, mountainous interiors and stunning amount of biological diversity — about 5% of all species on earth are found right here — make Costa Rica a must-see destination for anyone who wants to be immersed in marine and terrestrial nature.
Nearly 30% of Costa Rica’s land has been set aside as national parks and preserves, many of which encompass coastal and marine ecosystems. For sailors who tour the Pacific Coast, that means rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife, and gorgeous stretches of undeveloped coastline are just a tender ride away. Snorkelling and diving amidst coral reefs and amongst rays, sharks, and brightly coloured fish, paddling through mangroves, hiking along rainforest trails to reach a cascading waterfall, or quietly watching for nesting sea turtles on a deserted beach. Whatever flavour of adventure you have in mind, Costa Rica’s coastal parks will deliver.
Get hold of a copy of TIDE Number 3 to read an insider’s guide to turtle conservation in Santa Rosa National Park, surfing on Nancite and Espadilla Beach, hiking to hidden waterfalls on Cocos Island, and seeking out other destinations along Costa Rica’s hugely biodiverse coastline.
